Bobcat fire surges past 105,000 acres as new week of firefighting begins

The Bobcat fire grew to 105,345 acres on Monday, Sept. 21, as firefighters prepared to try and again push back the wind-driven blaze from foothill neighborhoods.

On Sunday, authorities ordered a new set of evacuations in the Antelope Valley. The fire reached that region in the past days after starting on Sept. 6 about 30 miles away deep in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa.

Containment, an established fire break at the perimeter of a wildfire, remained unchanged from the weekend at 15%.

Authorities announced Monday that a third virtual community meeting for the public would be held in the evening at 6:30 p.m.

“(The) fire will continue to spread from the foothills into (the) communities of Juniper Hills, Valyermo and Big Pine,” according to a Monday update from the Angeles National Forest.

“On the east side, (the) fire continues to threaten containment lines north of the Ranch 2 fire and threatens the Hwy 39 corridor,” it says.

Authorities predicted the blaze would soon impact Littlerock and Wrightwood. Winds were expected to blow in those areas at around 10 to 15 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials on Sunday confirmed the nature center at the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area was destroyed.

We are hosting a virtual public meeting tonight at 630 PM, see flyer for details. This morning the #BobcatFire is at 105,345 acres and 15% containment. pic.twitter.com/pCfJFjqO2B

— Angeles_NF (@Angeles_NF) September 21, 2020

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.